Glamorgan closed Day 2 of their LV= Insurance County Championship clash at Headingley with a 205-run lead over hosts Yorkshire, sitting on 68/4 in their second innings after dismissing Yorkshire for 193.
Timm van der Gugten's career-best 85 not out led his side to 330 all out, recovering well after the side had stuttered to 132/7, and he claims that a potential century was never on his mind as he was more focused on enjoying the situation and getting his side to a more substantial total.
“I used to be a batter back in the day so I always love spending time in the middle. It was enjoyable to bat with Dan last night and then there’s always a bit of excitement to bat with Hoges.
“My eyes lit up a bit when there were a few more catchers in place and a few gaps in the field, Dan calmed me down and we enjoyed ourselves out there.
“I don’t really think about personal milestones, it’s more about the team and it’s a goal of the team’s to get big first innings runs so it was nice to get above 300 and get a lead.
With six Glamorgan bowlers claiming at least one wicket, van der Gugten was happy to admit that his side 'would have bitten your hand off' with the total they held Yorkshire to.
“Everyone bowled well in different stages, Hoges started off very well, then Jamie McIlroy on debut was outstanding, Dan Douthwaite bowled really well then Callum chiming in with a couple of wickets and Lloydy as well, it was a collective effort and we would have bitten your hand off for a lead heading into day three.
“I’m sure Callum will tell his kids about it (dismissing Joe Root) when he’s older.
With Glamorgan sitting with a lead of 200 after Billy Root and Chris Cooke holding firm in the final hour, Timm is optimistic that his side will learn from how they batted and set themselves up for a potential upset.
“The wicket does a fair bit with the new ball and we lost a few more wickets (in the second innings) than we would have hoped for but the way Chris and Bill batted at the end sets a blueprint, if we can get through the first hour tomorrow and bat further into the day.”
Photo Credit: John Heald Photography